Pancreatic cancer

Causes

It is more common in smokers and in people who are obese. Almost a third of cases of pancreatic cancer are due to cigarette smoking.

• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Indigestion
• Jaundice
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Paleness
• Weakness
• Weight loss
• Abdominal pain
• Back pain
• Clay-colored stools
• Depression

• Abdominal CT scan
• Abdominal MRI
• Abdominal ultrasound
• Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
• Endoscopic ultrasound
• Pancreatic biopsy
• Liver function tests
• Serum bilirubin

1. At the time of diagnosis, only about 20% of pancreatic tumors can be removed by surgery. The standard procedure is called a pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple procedure).
2. When the tumor is confined to the pancreas but cannot be removed, a combination of radiation therapy and chemotherapy may be recommended.
3. When the tumor has spread (metastasized) to other organs such as the liver, chemotherapy alone is usually used.
4. For patients with biliary obstruction and when the tumor cannot be totally removed, the blockage must be relieved.
5. Two approaches are used for this:
   • Surgery
   • Placement of a tiny metal tube (biliary stent), to relieve blockages during ERCP
6. Management of pain and other symptoms is an important part of treating advanced pancreatic cancer.

This cancer has a 5-year survival rate of less than 5%, meaning 95% of the people diagnosed with it will not be alive 5 years later.

When to Contact a us:

• Loss of appetite
• Persistent abdominal pain
• Back pain
• Fatigue

• Stop smoking.
• Eat a diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Exercise regularly.